About Us

— a truly sophisticated dining experience —

The French Café is a partnership between husband and wife team Creghan Molloy Wright, Restaurant Manager, and Simon Wright, Executive Chef. They are assisted by Michelle Moore and Craig Lovie, Maitre d's, Andy Gladding, Sommelier and Gideon Landman, Head Chef.

Creghan’s warm, attentive and professional service blends her years of knowledge and natural hospitality. Her experienced staff are there to assist you with your food and wine choices and guide you through your dining experience. The cellar concentrates on premium wines from New Zealand, France and Australia.

Simon has trained in Europe’s top hotels and Michelin Star restaurants. His modern french food combines classical cuisine with a contemporary approach to ingredients and technique. The flavours are clean, precise and intense with an emphasis on fresh local product and seasonality. The restaurant offers a chef’s tasting, a six course tasting, as well as an a la carte menu which is designed to be enjoyed in four courses.

The restaurant is separated into three areas with a seating capacity of up to 80 people. There is a relaxed bar for pre and post dinner drinks, conservatory room overlooking the courtyard and courtyard dining in the warmer months.The French Kitchen, our private dining room is available for group bookings offering privacy and comfort in a relaxing and sophisticated environment overlooking our beautiful edible garden and courtyard.

The French Café has consistently been awarded for the fine dining experience that it so outstandingly offers.

Gallery

Reviews & Accolades

“Beautifully cooked modern French food in stylish surroundings. If New Zealand had a Michelin Star system the French Café would lead the way.”

finalist

Cuisine Magazine, Restaurant of the Year

"Push open the door of the French Café and you’ve found your shelter from the storm. Forget the run-down shops and rushing arterial traffic out-side. Inside, it is a haven of calm and elegance, presided over by the warmly welcoming Creghan Molloy-Wright..."

THE FRENCH CAFÉ COOKBOOK

Our original French Café Cookbook features more than 80 of our very own recipes, stunning photography by Charlie Smith, and illuminating tales of the blood, sweat, tears and love that goes into running our restaurant.

Careers

— Current Opportunities —

Senior Waitperson

We require an experienced full time professional person to join our team. An excellent opportunity for someone who is wanting to further their career and work with an experienced team of professionals.

RESERVATIONS

The French Kitchen

— private dining —

The French Café has grown...

The French Kitchen. Our unique private dining space with an open kitchen, where Simon or Gideon can cook for an intimate number of guests. This is the ultimate chef's table experience using the freshest of ingredients from our flourishing edible garden in our beautiful new courtyard. The French Kitchen is perfect for special occasions, whether personal or corporate.

Email the restaurant to register your interest.

We have detected that you currently have Javascript disabled. This website requires the use of Javascript to display correctly. For the best possible viewing experience we highly recommend that you enable Javascript via your browser's options.To contact The French Café call 09 377 1911